PRIDE & PUNISHMENT

Tonight (Wednesday, 3/19, 7:00 pm), join your Calvary Chapel family at the Holy Grounds Cafe or online through our website (www.calvaryinv.com

), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we continue our study in the book of Daniel (4:1-28). It is one of the most remarkable sets of prophecies ever recorded.

Thirty years have passed since King Nebuchadnezzar erected a ninety-foot golden statue on the plain of Dura. He summoned all the nations he had subjugated to attend and demonstrate their allegiance to him by bowing down and worshipping the statue.

Three of Daniel’s friends—Hannah, Mishael, and Azariah—refused to bow and were thrown into the furnace. God intervened, and King Nebuchadnezzar saw four men walking around in the furnace, unharmed by the flames. One of them appeared to be the Son of God.

Daniel was fifty years old when he was swiftly summoned to the king's presence. Nebuchadnezzar had a second dream and was deeply shaken by what he witnessed. When he appealed to his wise men for interpretation, they again demonstrate

d their ineptitude. Rather than threatening the wise men, the king recalled Daniel.

The prophet stood before the king, listening intently yet reluctantly, and explained the dream. Daniel’s love for Nebuchadnezzar was the reason. He knew that God would punish the king for his pride in believing everything he had was due to his greatness.

As challenging as relaying the message was, Daniel disclosed everything to the king. He then informed him that if he repented and turned toward God, he would experience God’s mercy. However, if he did not, he would be driven from the throne and live like a wild animal for seven years. There would be no reprieve or parole. Ultimately, his sanity would return when he acknowledged God, and he would be restored to his throne.

Nebuchadnezzar warns the world about the consequences of trusting in oneself rather than in God. Like the king, those who choose this path will face the wrath of a holy, righteous, and just God.

However, instead of choosing their own path, they acknowledge their sins, turn to God, and trust in His Son for forgiveness. They will discover that God pours out His grace and mercy on them, along with the promise of eternal life.

Please pray that open hearts welcome this journey through the Word of God, eager to grow in Jesus’ grace and knowledge. Furthermore, He will accomplish profound and lasting work in and through us for a world that desperately needs a Savior.

In His Strong Love,

Pastor